Convinced that society’s highest aspirations must include musical creativity, the music department seeks to broaden the cultural horizons of the students of Saint Benedict's and Saint John's. Performance is at the heart of the music program. Band, orchestra, ensembles, and a variety of choirs present formal opportunities for students to develop their own musical abilities and to take delight in the creativity of others. One-on-one private studio lessons and a number of core fine arts courses invite all students to explore the discipline of music and its contribution to world cultures.

Students majoring in music develop knowledge and skill in the basic elements of music. They undertake an integrated study of the historical evolution of these basic elements and, in their own right, learn to use this knowledge verbally, aurally and in performance. The major combines intensive personal study of a major instrument with strong collaboration with faculty members and student peers in studio performance classes and weekly recitals.

Assessment

Assessment and review of student performance in music is compiled every semester and reviewed by the faculty, with student input. Students complete a self-assessment for each performance jury examination and senior students complete a nationally recognized Major Field Test indicating their level of mastery in music history and theory. Curricular review of all classroom activity is gathered by the faculty on a rotating schedule, by division.

Major

The music department offers a program leading to a bachelor of arts degree with concentrations in liturgical music, music composition, music education (instrumental and/or choral for both elementary and secondary), music studies and performance. The CSB/SJU Music Department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Basic Requirements (24 credits)

Required Courses:111, 112, 121, 122, 211, 212, 221, 222, 335, 336.Special Requirements:All music majors are required to demonstrate basic musicianship, performance ability on a major instrument and piano proficiency (if the major instrument is other than keyboard). Some concentrations require additional proficiencies and/or secondary instrument study (see below).Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble is required of majors in all concentrations. All seniors successfully complete a final project as their concentration requires.

Concentration in LiturgicalMusic (46-53 additional credits)

Required Courses:323, 324, 327, seven semesters in applied music in one of the following: organ or voice (227, 337); supporting courses: EDUC 390; THEO 111, 202, 350, 351.Special Requirements:Demonstration of organ and voice proficiencies are required (114); demonstration of guitar proficiency is recommended. Organ majors must satisfy a proficiency in service playing (342).Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in Music Composition(28-36 additional credits)

Required Courses:260, 340, 345, 346, seven semesters in the major instrument (227, 337), if major instrument is not piano, continued piano study is recommended even after successful completion of the piano proficiency examination, two semesters of 357.Special Requirements:Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in Music Education(22-29 additional credits)

Sequences are offered for teacher candidates of Vocal Music K-12 license and for Instrumental Music K-12 license.Required Courses:323, 324 (for choral education) or 316, 317, 318, 319, 325, 326 (for instrumental education), seven semesters are required in the major instrument(227, 337).Special Requirements:Students in music education are required to have a secondary instrument (114). Those pursuing the choral education sequence who do not have voice as their primary area of study must fulfill two levels of voice competencies; levels of competence in major areas of performance are distributed by the instructor.Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.For instrumental education: seven semesters of large ensemble experience (from 231, 233 or 238) and a minimum of two additional semesters of small ensemble experience (from 237, 240 instrumental ensembles, or 241-243). Note: Students desiring a K-12 teaching license in vocal or instrumental music must be accepted into the education department to complete a minor in education.See education department listing for the supporting minor in education requirements.Students in music education may receive special credit towards some core requirements. However, they are advised that a program in music fulfilling Minnesota state licensure requirements may require a ninth semester, course overloads and/or attendance at summer school. Students are urged to contact the education department regarding requirements.

Concentration inMusic Studies(24-28 additional credits)

Required Courses:Eight semesters in the major instrument (227, 337); 8 credits from 260, 327, 340-354 (credits from 316-326 are also accepted).Special Requirements:Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for seven semesters.

Concentration in Performance(24-32 additional credits)

Required Courses:Eight semesters in the major instrument (227, 337); 8 credits from 260, 327, 340-354 (credits from 316-326 are also accepted). Pedagogical courses under the special studies division are recommended for this degree concentration.Special Requirements:Solo recital in the junior and senior years.Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for eight semesters.Voice performance majors must meet proficiency in one language (French, German, Italian or Spanish).

Minor (20-24 credits)

Required Courses:111, 112, 121, 122, 150, (211 and 221 if placed out of 111 and 121), four semesters of 227. Four credits of electives chosen from 152-159, 211, 221, (211 and 221 not applicable as electives if placed out of 111 and 121), 227 (2 credits max.), 260, 271-274, 325, 327, 342-02A, 358 (major role).Special Requirements:Participation in a choral and/or instrumental ensemble for four semesters.

150 Music Through History. (4)An introduction to music in its historical and cultural perspective from ancient Greek to contemporary. Emphasis is placed on Western and other than Western cultures. Includes attendance at live performances. For music minors and non-music majors.

151 Music Through Theory. (2, 4)An introduction to the basic principles of melody, harmony and rhythm. Various musical styles will be examined and analyzed using the tools of music theory. Class requires attendance at some live performances. For non-music majors.

152 Exploring World Music. (2)An introduction to the many kinds of musical expression practiced around the world through listening, reading and classroom discussion. Primary goals will include becoming acquainted with the musical practices of selected cultures, understanding the cultural contexts of diverse musical practices, and, through comparison with other cultures, becoming more aware of the roles music plays in our own lives and culture. No previous experience with music is necessary.

156 Women in Music. (2)A survey of the history of women in music from earliest times to the present. It will include reading about women musicians, the study of their styles and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

157 Piano Music from Bach to Jazz. (2)This course is a survey of piano music from the late baroque to the present. It will include readings on piano music, piano composers and piano performers, the study of musical and performing styles, and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

159 Men and Women in Music. (4)This course will survey musical people - composers, educators and patrons - and their music from the earliest times to the present. It will include readings about men and women musicians, the study of music styles and live and recorded musical performances. For non-music majors.

211 Comprehensive Musicianship III. (3)Study of chromatic harmony, keyboard skills, and form and analysis of music from the Baroque through the Classical era. Concurrent registration in 221 expected. Prerequisite: 112.

212 Comprehensive Musicianship IV. (3)Continued study of chromatic harmony, keyboard skills, and form and analysis of music from the nineteenth century up to the present. Concurrent registration in 222 expected. Prerequisite: 211.

260 Introduction to Music Composition. (4)This is an introductory course in the art and craft of musical composition. A number of compositional techniques will be explained and practiced, and students will compose original pieces of music of varying lengths. There will also be opportunities to listen to and discuss the music of recent composers. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: MUSC 112 and 122.

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

272 Topics in Popular Music/Jazz Studies. (1-4)A study of a particular popular music or jazz historical period, style, compositional technique or performance technique. The specific subject to be studied will be announced prior to registration.

274 History of Jazz. (2)A study of the history of jazz from its early roots and blues, to present day forms. All periods will be covered including New Orleans, Chicago, Swing, Bebop, Cool, Fusion, and Free Jazz Forms. We will study the stylistic characteristics and major musicians past and present, as well as the relationships between jazz and society during the 20th century. For non-music majors. Offered alternate years.

Special Studies Program (260, 316-327 and 340-371).These courses are organized around special areas of advanced study in music and vary from semester to semester in response to student needs and interests.

341-343 Special Studies in Pedagogy and Techniques. (1-4)Specific instruments and voice. Advanced study in solo repertoire such as diction (voice) and stylistic articulation skills.

345 Special Studies in Orchestration. (2)Study of instrumentation and scoring for small to large ensembles. Students will work with both standard orchestra and wind ensemble. Prerequisite: 212. Alternate years.

347 Special Studies in Theory, Analysis and Composition. (1-4)Theoretical study of music, such as the analysis of a particular composition, compositional techniques of a specific style of original works. Prerequisite: 212.

351 Piano Literature. (1-4)A survey of literature for the piano from the earliest times to the present. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Spring.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research or Creative Project. (4)Required for graduation with "Distinction in Music." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the Honors Thesis program. For further information see HONR 398.